West Sussex is a perfect location for so many buyers and investors looking for properties that offer the ideal combination of coastal living within proximity of London.

Much of the county comprises the celebrated South Downs, the third-largest national park in the UK, offering 2,000 miles of walks, the renowned beauty of the South Downs Way, and countless market towns and villages along the route. This protected area stretches from the heart of the countryside down to the coast, forming a peaceful backdrop and unbeatable views.

In this series of guides, we explore some of the most popular places to live – and share some of the hidden gems which offer outstanding opportunities to buy property in this prestigious part of the country.

Here, we take a trip to the seaside for a peek into traditional coastal living in the charming fishing town of Selsey.

Living in West Sussex

It’s no secret that lockdown living has made the allure of green views, country pubs and fresh air something millions of people are now aspiring to! West Sussex isn’t just a wildlife haven; it’s also home to the thriving cathedral city of Chichester and some of the most elegant British countryside villages around.

The Downs offers a considerable choice of outdoor pursuits, from hiking to mountain biking, offset by the vibrancy of the arts and theatre festivals, and cultural attractions in nearby Chichester and Brighton.

Rail links reach London directly, with fast access to Portsmouth and Southampton, so if you ever tire of the beaches, nature reserves and boutique shopping, there are limitless options to explore the south and southeast.

Some of the primary reasons West Sussex remains one of the most in-demand regions for property include:

• The South Downs National Park – a unique place with a rich abundance of wildlife, stunning scenery and activities for families of all ages.
• The West Sussex coastline, which benefits from being one of the sunniest parts of the UK, unspoiled sandy beaches, and the glamour of Chichester Harbour.
• Plenty of activities for kids
• A fantastic dining scene, from rustic country pubs to gourmet fish and chips and seafood prepared straight out of the water. You can also find some excellent local beers, with Arundel, Langham and Dark Star breweries all nearby.
• For those who love recreational sports, West Sussex is an excellent choice. Opt for sailing at Itchenor Sailing Club or Sussex Yacht Club, or work on your swing at West Sussex Golf Club.

There’s so much to explore in the county. With excellent independent schools, streamlined transport links, and a culture firmly rooted in a long heritage, West Sussex remains an illustrious place to live – for all the right reasons.

Spotlighting Selsey as a West Sussex Destination

Selsey is a small, secret diamond hidden away from the rest of Sussex on the tip of the Manhood Peninsula, the most southerly point in West Sussex – and it’s a truly unique spot. Life here is all about the sea, with a local fishing fleet, Selsey Lifeboat Station and the Selsey Crab delicacy, which has to be the freshest crab you’ve ever tasted!

This quiet seaside town has one of the best beaches in the region. The sea laps around Selsey Bill and through to the soft sands of Bracklesham Bay – you can walk along the coast for miles, right along to East and West Wittering in low tide.

Homeowners in Selsey also benefit from some outstanding attractions and nature reserves in the surrounding area, including:

• Pagham Nature Reserve
• Chichester Harbour
• Selsey Windmill
• Selsey Lifeboat Museum

You’re in easy reach of Chichester, just eight miles away, the beauty of the South Downs, and some of the most sought after villages and market towns in West Sussex.

Selsey is an idyllic combination of traditional coastal life, a small town with an incredible sense of community, and yet within a stone’s throw of the most popular destinations in this vibrant county. While a tranquil place to live, you’ll find great amenities here, with the quintessential parade of local shops, so many towns now miss. Selsey has a local fishmonger, greengrocer, butcher and baker, with wonderful local produce available in the markets.

The tide races through here twice a day, making the seawater some of the freshest in the UK and a perfect place for water sports lovers.

In terms of transport, you’ll find:

• Connections to the A27 via Chichester, only around 20 minutes drive. The B2145 runs directly from the A27 into the heart of Selsey.
• Rail links through Chichester Station with routes taking around 90 minutes to London and running hourly.
• On the Number 51 Stagecoach Route, direct bus routes to Chichester, running regularly and every half hour on Sundays.
• Portsmouth International Port is around 24 miles away, Gatwick Airport 54 miles, and Dover 132 miles by car.

The joy of living in Selsey is that it feels far more rural than it is – yet you can be sipping a coffee in Chichester in around 20 minutes or reach central London in about an hour and a half.

Schools and Education in Selsey

One of the essential requirements for so many of our clients is to find a property in a beautiful location, with excellent quality of life and outstanding schools in the nearby area. Like many pleasant seaside villages and market towns in West Sussex, Selsey is a great spot for families.

Primary Schools in Selsey, West Sussex

All of the below primaries cater to children aged four to eleven and are Ofsted rated Good:

• Medmerry Primary School: off Selsey High Street.
• Seal Primary Academy: located in Selsey on East Street.
• North Mundham Primary School: 7.4 miles from Selsey.
• St Richard’s Catholic Primary: 8.2 miles from Selsey.
• West Wittering Parochial CE: 10 miles from Selsey.
• Edward Bryant School: 12.9 miles from Selsey.

Secondary Schools in Selsey, West Sussex

The Academy Selsey, formerly Manhood Community College, caters to ages 11-16, is Ofsted rated Good, and found in Selsey off of the High Street.

Other options nearby, including sixth forms up to ages 18/19, and all rated Good are:

• Chichester High School: 8.1 miles from Selsey.
• The Regis School: 12.1 miles from Selsey.
• Felpham Community College: 13.8 miles from Selsey.

You’ll also find Selsey close to Chichester University for further education or older children. The main campus is just nine miles away, about 23 minutes drive.

The Selsey Property Market

As you’d expect in a seaside town, there is a broad array of properties here to choose from. That includes charming bungalows, terraced and detached family homes, and luxurious waterfront properties. You’ll also find homes ranging from classic Edwardian architecture to 30s properties, chalets and traditional cottages, sitting alongside grand farmhouses and sprawling detached estates.

Average Selsey property prices are currently around £344,438, increasing 1.77% in just the three months to March 2021 and 4.03% in the last year.

• Apartments sell for around £163,277.
• Terraced properties reach approximately £252,012.
• Detached homes reach an average of £405,563.
• Most homes in Selsey have appreciated £13,000+ in the last 12 months.

Some of the top places to buy are in the west of Selsey, next to the creeks running down from Chichester Harbour, and through to Birdham and West Itchenor. These locations offer stunning views of the Isle of Wight and are surrounded by nature reserves and coastal wildlife.

Just as with so many of these lucrative West Sussex havens, properties tend to sell quickly. As interest continues to grow in Selsey, it seems inevitable that properties will remain in heavy demand, with more professionals and families looking for an idyllic seaside lifestyle yet with access to businesses and central transport hubs.

To learn more about some of the fantastic property opportunities currently available in Selsey or to be first to know when a new home becomes available to buy, please contact the Tod Anstee team.